This midcentury house in Wooloowin originally had no street appeal - so we added a gabled double carport complete with automatic gate and brick fence to help it make an impact.
The under-house garage we designed for this Red Hill cottage is one of the most asked for - completely sealed and lockable thanks to automatic doors, plus it provides direct access to the house.
We designed this carport in Graceville to complement its Californian bungalow house counterpart, from matching gable to the lattice panels. It fits 4 cars and a boat!
This double carport in Clayfield is set back from the fence line to provide a more dramatic entrance
A carport or garage is often the finishing touch for a home – an addition that not only keeps your cars safe, but also adds extra street appeal and significant value to your property’s potential sale price. We design lots of carports for clients and often find people have the same questions, so we created this list of tips for designing and building a carport to help you get started.
When it comes to carports, you can purchase either pre-fabricated carports (i.e. comes standard in a box for you or your builder to erect), or you can have one designed. If you’re after something that perfectly fits your unique block’s requirements, space and style, always invest that little bit extra and get one designed. You will reap the rewards in the long run.
Ensure the carport matches with the design and style of your house. If you build something that doesn’t complement your existing abode, then rather than adding to your property’s street appeal, it may end up being an eyesore and detract from the value. For example, if you are going for a traditional carport with a gabled front, make sure you match the pitch with your existing roof line – otherwise the carport may end up looking like an afterthought, rather than a seamless addition. Another approach is having a carport that complements the dwelling whilst not mimicking the vernacular of the dwelling itself. This technique can be achieved by using contrasting materials and/or colours.
Depending on how close to the front, rear, and/or side boundaries you are building, you will likely need to have a relaxation form signed by one or all of your neighbours. Make sure you do this before you submit your plans to council and certifiers for approval. The best way to do this is usually to speak with your neighbours in person so you can discuss your plans and answer any questions they may have (make sure you bring with you a copy of your plans for them to review and the documents to sign).
A carport (which is partially open) is often easier to have approved than a garage (which is fully closed) and also cheaper to build. If you’re after a simple structure to keep your car under cover, then carports are a great solution. Just remember, in order to be approved, your carport must have two sides open-air (i.e. no battons/weatherboards on the back and a side for example to comply with fire safety legislation). Alternatively, if you’re looking for something with more storage options that you can fully lock up, then a garage is the way to go. Just keep in mind it will cost extra to build, and has additional requirements to factor into the design for compliance and certification.
Spend some time thinking about if you want your carport to have an automatic gate, an automatic door – or nothing at all. Automatic doors are a bit more expensive, but they offer greater privacy and security as people from the street can’t easily see in.
Never have a carport/garage built without the correct approvals in place (sign off from council, certifiers and/or engineers). Without these approvals, your carport/garage will be considered ‘illegally’ built – and you may be charged more to have it approved down the track, or even forced to tear it down. If you plan to sell, you’ll also need evidence your carport or garage went through all the correct approval channels.
If you have any questions regarding this article, we’d love to help out and answer any questions you may have (and would be happy to share some more pictures of carports we’ve designed for inspiration). Please get in touch!